The Smart Keyboard protects the screen when folded down and serves as both a kickstand and keyboard when folded out.

Apple said that the keyboard used the same kind of dome switches as the Retina MacBook. The fabric covering the keys also makes it feel quite a bit different than the smooth plastic of the MacBook keyboards.

The keyboard docks to the Smart Connector on the left edge of the device, which handles both power and data.

There's a conductive layer of fabric between the top and bottom of the cover carries enough power and data to serve the Smart Keyboard.